Stuart backs West Indies to come good against England

By Ravi Madholall

Former Guyana and West Indies fast bowler Colin Stuart has thrown his support behind the West Indies to come good against England in the three-match limited overs series which bowls off on March 3 in Antigua and Barbuda.

According to Stuart, the side looks balance and talented and that has given him the confidence in the reigning t20 champs making an impression by winning the series.

The English team is expected to be in the Caribbean already and will commence things with two limited-over warm-up matches against a Vice-Chancellor X1 and West Indies Cricket Board X1 at Warner Park Stadium in St Kitts and Nevis.

“I [am] confident West Indies will do well against England once they play consistent cricket in both departments; the bowlers will have to deliver, while the batsmen must show great focus,” the 43-year-old Stuart, who had featured in six tests and five one days for the Regional side, commented.

West Indies, who are currently ranked at number nine in the one-day version, should be an equal competitor alluding to the fact that England also has been low-down on the ranking table at number five.

Stuart stated that would not be a demotivation for West Indies because he strongly feels West Indians always go out and give maximum effort especially when competing on home soil.

“These are professional cricketers and they have the capability of doing well at the highest level; this is a good bunch of guys who should be highly enthusiastic to beat England,” the Guyana Cricket Board Territorial Developmental Officer related.

Questioned on the pitches to favour either country, Stuart reckoned Barbados pitch is characteristically fast and bouncy and that should be interesting because the quickies will want to utilise the nature of it.

Stuart also thinks that the Sir Vivian Richard Stadium in Antigua is arguably fast too and with the fixture having two matches, it is suffice to say that both teams are likely to perform well.

“Both teams will want to exploit on these pitches but our team has the home advantage, I think we can be very dangerous by getting big totals or restricting oppositions very cheaply; but as I said our guys have got to be determined and have patience and application,” Stuart explained during the exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport.

As expected, the side will be led by fast-bowler and Barbadian Jason Holder. Holder only recently captained his country to the Regional Super50 title.

On Monday, two days after the completion of the Super50 tournament, West Indies selectors had released a 15-member squad to begin encampment while they (selectors) have also named the President’s X1 side.

Meanwhile, leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo is lone Guyanese in the team to play in the three one-day internationals, while fast-bowler Ronsford Beaton and all-round Raymond Reifer have been selected to represent the President X1.

The first practice match is slated to for Friday and the final one on Sunday.